A recipe for a restorative wine elixir composed of coca leaves and kola nuts has been discovered in the archives of Florence’s San Marco monastery, dating back to the late 19th century. The document describes a mixture using 10 grams of Bolivian coca leaves and 30 grams of cola nuts.
Father Manuel Russo, the abbot of San Marco, found the yellowed flyer while sorting through the ancient pharmacy archive. He noted that the elixir was marketed as a tonic to restore physical and mental strength following illness or to alleviate fatigue associated with aging. The recipe also references empty bottles from which the drink was presumably consumed.
Historical records indicate that the elixir cost between two and six Italian lira at the time and was in demand among its contemporaries. “At that time, many people produced such medicines with coca leaves,” Russo said. “The only thing I can say is that the San Marco pharmacy had its own prescription.”
The discovery has drawn attention due to its similarity to Coca-Cola’s original formula, created by American pharmacist John Pemberton in 1886 at Atlanta’s Jacobs Pharmacy. However, researchers found no evidence that Pemberton knew about or used this Florentine recipe. While coca-based beverages were produced across Europe during the late 19th century, the coincidence of ingredients does not prove direct influence.
Founded in 1436 and operating a pharmacy from 1460, San Marco’s monastery has preserved its historical premises even after relocating to another part of Florence in 1995. The pharmacy initially supported the city’s poor residents.
